Old main renovation reaps national honors | va milwaukee health care | veterans affairs

The renovation of Old Main into housing for Veterans has reaped a prestigious national award. On Wednesday, the project received the 2021 Advisory Council on Historic Preservation/Housing

and Urban Development Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. This annual award recognizes historic preservation projects that also provide affordable housing and/or

expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income families and individuals. The Milwaukee Soldiers Home, on the grounds of the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, welcomed its first

residents in March after an 18-month renovation project, which was the culmination of a 10-year odyssey to save the historic structure and return it to is original purpose – serving

Veterans. “This is such an honor,” said Jon Beck, development project manager for The Alexander Co., which spearheaded the renovation project. “This is a wonderful way to finish the year.”

Milwaukee VA Medical Center Director Dr. Daniel Zomchek agreed. “I think this is a momentous day, the culmination of so many years of effort from so many different organizations in the best

interest of our Veterans,” Zomchek said, noting the facility is only steps away from a myriad of VA health services. “And VA health care is second to none.” COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER Opening

in 1867, Old Main was one of the original three soldiers homes built in the U.S. to care for Civil War Veterans. It was shuttered in 1989, and the building fell into disrepair. When a large

hole opened in the roof, exposing the interior to the elements, many thought the building could not be saved. But a number of local, state and national agencies came together to hatch a plan

to restore the building, along with five other buildings on the Milwaukee VA campus, so they could serve Veterans once again – specifically as housing for Veterans at risk of homelessness.

The key component was VA’s Enhanced-Use Lease Program, which allows private developers to lease and rehabilitate underused VA properties for Veteran-related purposes. Planning began in 2010,

and by the fall of 2019, ground was broken for the construction project, led by developer The Alexander Co. with JP Cullen serving as general contractor. The Alexander Co. financed the $44

million project through use of no less than 13 different capital sources, including federal and state historic tax credits. Many other partners, including more than 650 individuals and

organizations, donated to the project through a fundraising campaign. RETAINING HISTORY With an eye toward preservation, the project included restoration of the slate roofing, repair and

reuse of the original windows, restoration of the wood and terrazzo floors and maintenance of the Cream City brick exterior. The six restored buildings opened in March, providing 101 housing

options, from duplexes for families to single-occupancy apartments. To date, 95 units are occupied. “This extraordinary project was a true labor of love that brought together a community

for the benefit of America’s Veterans,” ACHP Vice Chairman Jordan Tannenbaum said. “The goal was not only to provide quality housing for Veterans but to retain the historic integrity of the

buildings, right down to rehabilitating the original pool table and the elaborate mailboxes in the post office. “This project is a shining example of collaboration, creativity and

perseverance in preserving significant historic buildings.” HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge lauded the project for addressing a major problem for Veterans. “Homelessness is a major crisis

facing our Veterans, and because of this work, more than 100 Veterans and their families in Milwaukee will have access to a safe, quality, and affordable home,” she said. SUCCESSFUL

PARTNERSHIP The project involved not only VA, HUD and historic preservation groups, but also the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority as well as the Housing Authority of the

City of Milwaukee. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said the project showed the great things that can come from community partnerships. “If you are looking for an example of a project that brings

together the community, that values our history, that pays tribute to our Veterans and shows that government at all levels can work cooperatively, this is absolutely the right project,” he

said. “This has been not only a labor of love, but it is a tremendous architectural and historic achievement to do what has been done to these buildings. It is nothing short of amazing to

see the transformation that has taken place here.” Joe Alexander, president of The Alexander Co., agreed. “The result of this collaboration is truly spectacular,” he said. “This demonstrates

the benefits of historic preservation and the success of public-private partnerships.”